Electrical fitting



H. SCHARR ELECTRICAL FITTING lFileduuly 17. 1924 Dec. 22, l925- 2 Sheets-Sheet l gva/umh Harlb/ j: yfaar'r.

a@ %%M fm Dec. 22, 1925. 1,566,975

` H. l. SCHARR ELECTRICAL FITTING Filed July 17, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 @le n gf* oo lq 7 da a 5 1) l? c? C s 4J* En 'H2 ad I b 7 "Ezg Z gwwzntoz @www l?? lll i Patented Dec. 22, 1925.

y unirse sfr/ tres HARRY I, SCHARR, QF XVASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

ELECTRICAL FITTING.

Application filed Juy 17, 192.41;y Serial No. 726,616.

To all ywiso/.e z' 'may concern.'

Be it known that I, HARRY I. SCHARR, a citizen oi the United States ot America, residing at lllasliington, in the District ot Columbia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electrical Fittings; and I do hereby declare that the following is a tull, clear, concise, and exact description of the invention, sucli as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to improvements in electrical fittings or appliances, and has for an object to provide a novel form ot electrical conductor junction or connecting de vice, especially advantageous for use in the wiring ot buildings, whereby a multiplicity of branch lines or circuits may be electrically and independently connected to a main line or source ot supply without the necessity'ot splicing, soldering or taping such joints or connections, hence, effecting a considerable saving of time and labor upon part of a user as well as the costs associated therewith.

It is likewise an object ot the invention to provide a device ot the character mentioned which may be used in connection with an electrical switch or with the usual wall or floor plug connection and used as a distributor, such adaption ot the invention permitting the same to receive and distribute energy coming` from a common main line or circuit to its particular circuit as well as the electrical junction ot independent branch lines or circuits thereto.

Other objects ot the invention will be in part obvious and in part pointed out here inatter.`

In order that the invention and its mode ot operation may be readily understood by persons skilled Ain the art,` I have in the accompanying illustrative drawings, and in the detailed following description based thereupon, set out several possible embodiments ot' the same.

In these drawings Figure l is a top view of the invention used in connection withia single pole electrical switch;

Figure 2 is a side elevation ot' the same;

Figure 3 is a top view of the invention having a portion thereof broken away and shown in section showing the device used in connection with an electrical wall plug;

Figure 4i is e :SiS-ll?- @levation .Ot the Seme;

Figure 5 is a detail in perspective of one form of juniper or contact plate used in connection with 'the device;

Figure 6 is a schema-tic view showing a main circuit equipped with the several forms ot my invention; and,

Figure 7 is a schematic view of a slightly modified torni or adaption ot that form ot' the device as shown in the Figures l and 2.

Having more particular reference to the drawings, in connection with which like characters of reference will designate corresponding parts throughout, I have shown for purposes of illustration herein, my improved junction device as being used in connection with an electrical switch and an electrical wall plug (Figures l and 3). At this point, itis to be understood, however, that the device is not limited in its range of adaption those particular embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but to the contrary, it may be modified in its arrangement and applied to various other electrical applianc-es, such tor example, as distributors, junction boxes and like devices such as conditions or preference may dictate. The invention may be practically used solely as a junction or connecting device, should it be so desired.

In the Figures l and 2, the invention is shown as being adapted to an ordinary single throw electrical switch, such switch comprehending a base l ot porcelain or other suitable insulating material generally indicated herein by the numeral l, having an approved type ot single pole switch 2 thereupon adapted to be operated through the medium of the usual push buttons Contact terminals or posts in form ot screws engaging electrically conductive plates indicated by the numerals 't and 5 are arranged upon that side ot the insulating base l receiving the switch proper 2 and as will be understood, one side ot the main line or circuit is adapted to be connected to the contact screw 4, while the contact terminal 5 receives an electrical conductor which continues with that particular side ot the circuit presented by the conductor connected to 'the terminal 4.

Electrically conductive contact: plates G and 7 are secured to the opposite side portion of the insulating base 1,-as shown in the Figure l, and have conductor engaging and binding screws generally indicated by the numeral 8 turned. int@ engagement there with. Thus, it will be understood that a plurality of electrically inter-connected contact terminals will be provided on the insulating base 1, the various groups of such contact terminals being normally capable of having the electrical conductors of the opposite sides or polarities or of corresponding polarities of branch electrical circuits connected thereto.

In the Figures 3 anda, the invention is shown used in connection with an ordinary electrical wall plug, wherein a plurality of electrically conductive contact plates 9 and 10 are secured to theface side of the insulating body 1 of the wall plug, as clearly shown in the Figure 3, and have a 'plurality of groups of screws generally indicated by the numeral 11 turned into engagement therewith, thus providing effective contact terminals.

Under certain conditions, it may be desired that a greater number ot contact terminals of a corresponding polarity shall be provided upon an insulating base of my improved junction device and to accomplish this, there is provided what may be aptly termed as a jumper or electrical contact plate 12. such plate being formed of suitable electrically conductive material having pockets or recesses 13 formed in the opposite end portions thereorD and opening onto one marginal part of the same whereby the plate may be positively connected between the several groups of contact terminals, as for illustration, the contact terminals consisting of the screws 8 arranged upon the several contact plates 6 and 7.' It desired, the interme-l diate portion of this jumper 12 may be cut away,"as indicated at 14 whereby the same may be practically employed in connection with the form oitl junction device shown in the Figure 1 in order that it will not interfere with normal usage or operation of the electrical switch, while a linger engaging eX- tension 15 may be formed upon the opposite side of such jumper as shown in the Figure 5.

Again, the form of jumper or contact plate used in connection with the junction device may be modiiied in its particular form, as is shown in lthe Figure "3 and indicated at 16. This particular jumper consists of but a strip of electrically conductive material having recesses or contact terminal engaging pockets formed in the opposite end portions thereof designated by the numeral 1.7,l such pockets being adapted to be engaged over the shank portions othe screws of the different groups of contact terminals, whereby the same will beelectrically inter-connected.

In the Figures 6 and 7, I have shown several adaptions of the invention in electrical circuits, the form of usage of the invention in the Figure vconsisting of a main circuit,

the opposite conductors of which are indicated-by the reference letters a and the form-er being positive, and the latter being negative. A junction device, such as shown in the Figure l, is connected to these conductors c and b, the positive conductor going to the contact plate 4 of the switch element 2 and continuing on through such switch element from the contact plate. rllhe group of contact terminals 8 connected to the contact plates 6 and 7 at the opposite sides of the ybase of the device are utilized at this time to serve as an electrical connection for the opposite polarities of the circuit. To this end. it will be noted that the jumper conductor c is extended from the conductor 0 to one of the contact terminals of the group upon the contact plate 6, thus rendering the same positive, while the conductor Z) is extended into electrical contact with one of the group of terminals upon the plate 7, thereby rendering this latter negative.

A conductor a is extended from the contact 5, while a conductor c is extended Jfrom one of the terminals upon the plate 6 and another conductor b is electrically connected to and extended from one of the terminals on the plate 7.

A form of junction device, such as shown in the Figures 3 and 4 is next included in the circuit, the base of which is designated b v the reference character 1. As will be borne in mind this junction device has an ordinary ioor or wall plug incorporated therein, while various groups of contact terminals are mounted thereupon, as shown in this embodim-ent, and are electrically distinct from one another, the same, in accordance vwith the fore-going description being identilied generally by the numeral 11.

rilhe'conductor a is extended into electrical engagement with one or the contact elements of the various groups 11. while the positive conductor c' is electrically connected to a Contact terminal o1n another of these groups of terminals 11 and continues or eX- tendsv from the junction device through the medium of a conductor (L2, one end or' which is connected to an adjacent contact terminal of the same group, as is shown herein. The negative conductor aforesaid, is electrically connected to one of the contact terminals of still another of the electrically distinct groups, as shown. and is extended from the device through the medium b2. one end of which is connected to an adjacent contact terminal of this same group.

Should it be desired to connect anotherl branch circuit to this particular form or junction device, as for example, a light or group of lights, indicated for convenience herein b v the reference character (Z, a positive conductor ai is extended from one side ot' theilight or lights d'into electrical contact with one of the terminals of that ygroup with respect to the circuit.

to which the conductor o, which is positive, is connected, while the opposite side ot the light or lights has a conductor Za connected electrically thereto and extended into electrical engagement with one of the contacts of that particular group to which the conductors b and b2' are electrically connected. it being noted in this connection. that said conductors are of the negative side ot the main circuit. j Assuming that it is desired to further continue the main circuit through the medium of the conductors o2 and o2, the former being posit-ive, and the latter being neffative,

either of the several forms ot the junction device illustrated may be included therein,

although for purposes of illustration, I have now shown the form of junction device illustrated in the Figures l and the base of which is indicated by the numeral l, as being connected to said circuit, that is, the positive conductor a2 being connected to the `contact plate l of the single throw switch 2 and being extended theretroinby way of the contact plate 5 in form ot an electrical conductor cl3. The several groups of coni tact terminals upon the electrically distinct contact plates (i and 7 are herein shown as being connected to the opposite polarities of the electrical circuit; a branch or jumper electrical conductor ca being vextended from the conductor o2 into electrical engagement with one ofthe terminals on the plate G, thus rendering all of these. contacts positive The electrical conductor 722. which constitutes the negative side ci the electrical circuit is extended into engagement with one 01"? the terminals ot' that group upon the contact plate 7. EX- tended from the group ot' contact terminals upon the plate 7 is an electrical conductor b3.

rlhere is next included in the circuit. a torni ot' junction `device as shown in the Figures 3 and et. the base oi which is herein indicated by the reference character l. This particular junction device, which in-l cludes a plurality ot groups of electricallyA distinct Contact terminals, has the positive conductor 1,3 electrically connected to one ot' the terminals ot' said groups, as is clearly shown, thus rendering such group positive in an electrical sense. Itis desired that the opposite group upon the corresponding' side of the base portion l shall be also electrically positive and to effect this, a conductor, as is extended from the plate 6 ofthe preceding junction 1 into electrical engagement with one of the terminals of said opposite group, while a conductor a4 is electrically extended from this group. Likewise, it is also desired that one of the groups of the transversely opposite contact terminals shall be likewise rendered electrically positive and to eiiect this, a conductor cb is extended from one ol the terminals representingl the group engaged by the positive conductor a t.i'aiisvei'.-i;eljv across the basal portion into electrical engagement with an adjacent terminal ot the opposite group. Thus, it will be seen that three of the groups of contact terminals upon this particular junction device are rendered electrically1 positive. The negative conductor Zi is extended into electrical engagement with one ot' the contact terminals ot' the remaining group, while suitable electrical connection is made through branch conductors with the floor or wall plug conn ction on said base l trom certain ot the positive groups of contact terminals and one of the contact tern'iinals of the negative group. To continue the circuit 'from this particular.- junction device, the aforesaid positive electrical conductor a4 is extended troni one oi the terminals of one ot the positive groups, while a conductor 7) is connected to and extended from one of the terminals of the negative group.

Should it be desired to connect a branch electrical circuit with the heretoforel described junction device, the current receiving medium, herein shown to be an electric lamp fl" has an electrical conductor d extended vfrom. one side thereof into engagement with one ot' the contact terminals oi. that lgroup to which the conductor c is electrically connected. while another conductor fr is extended iti-om the opposite side ot the lamp into electrical emragement with one oi" the contact terminals oi the negative o group, therebf.v completing the branch electric circuit.

Another arrangement ol the form oit junction device shown in the Figures 3 and {I- inav be had.` and in illustration ol" this. it W5 will be noted that one oi these junction dcvices. the basal portion ot' which is indicated by the numeral l has one ol (he contactl terminals ol a certain group ot contacts thereon electrically connected with the im tree end o'l" thc positive electrical conductoi' o, while the negative conductor L" is connected to a contact terminal ot another group of such terminals. Suitable electrical conductors e are extended troni the positive h5 and negative groups oi contact terminals into engagement with the floor or wall plug connection of the device. The circuit may be extended from the junction device by a juniper plate lo, inserted as between the longitudinally opposite groups o'li contact terminals ll upon said junction device, thus rendering all ot' said contact terminals along one side thereot` positive as is shown, whereupon an electrical conductor is electrically connected to oneI of the terminals of the opposite group thereof. while a negative conductor 715 is electrically connected to one of the terminals of the negative group, that is, the group of terminals having electrical connectZiQon With the aforesaid electrical conductor 4.

Should it be desired, another of the junction devices, either of construction as shown in the Figure l, or of const-ruction as shown in the Figure 3, may be connected to the conductors b5 and a5. For purposes of illustration, I have shown that form of junction device as illustrated in the Figures 3 and 4, as being connected to said conductors b5 and a5, the basal portion of Which is again designate-d by the reference numeral l. In this particular adaption of the junction device, all of the longitudinally disposed contact terminals along one side of the base portion thereof are rendered electrically positive by the insertion of a jumper plate 16. Thus, branch lines or conductors a6 extended from the contact terminals of these electrically interconnected groups will be electrically positive. All of the longitudinally disposed contact terminals upon the opposite side of the base portion l are rendered electrically negative bythe insertion of another jumper plate 16, and by consequence, it will be understood that inasmuch as the negative electrical conductors b5 is electrically connected to one of said Contact terminals, all of the same Will be rendered electrically negative, and thus, such branch conductors 5G as may be extended therefrom Will be of corresponding polarity.

In the Figure 7, I have shown still another modified form or adaption of that form of junction device as shown in the Figures l and 2, the base portion of such j unction being indicated herein by the numeral l and having an electrical conductor al connected to the contact plate 4 of t-he single throw switch 2, While an extension positive electrical conductor as is extended from the contact plate 5. The various groups of contact terminals 8 electrically connected to the contact plates 6 and 7 on the opposite sides of the base l are electrically inter-connected through the medium of a jumper plate 12, the same electrically spanning such contact plates, as is clearly shown. The negative electrical conductor 67 is electrically connected to the outermost contact terminal 8, and as Will be understood, various other electricallyv negative branch conductors generally designated by the reference character' 228 may be electrically connected to said electrically inter-connected contact terminals 8 and extended into engagement with the negative side of the current receiving devices ZG included therein, the opposite sides of such devices, of course, being electrically connected to the positive conductor as.

It is of course to be understood that various other forms or adaptions of the junction devices may be successfully and practically used in connection with electrical circuits,l other than those specifically shown and described herein, such as conditions or preference may dictate, the sole objective of the invention being to provide a junction device from Which the positive and negative sides of an electrical circuit can be extended Without the necessity of splicing the conductors or making similar time consuming and labor expending connections.

Manifestly, the construction shown is capable of considerable modification, and such modification as is within the scope of my claims, I consider Within the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

l. In combination with an electrical appliance having an insulating body, a plurality of groups of electrically inter-connected junction terminals thereupon, said groups being adapted to receive electrical conductors of different polarity, and jumper contact plates engageable With certain of the junction terminals of said groups whereby to electrically inter-connect the same for engagement with electrical conductors of corresponding polarity.

2. In combination With an insulating body, a plurality of electrical contact plates, a plurality of groups of contact terminals engaging said plates and adapted to be connected to electrical conductors of certain polarity, certain of said contact terminals of the groups ofv different polarity being adapted to be engaged with the electrical conductors forming the opposite sides of a main electrical circuit, and jumper contact plates adapted to temporarily inter-connect certain of said electrical contact plates, as and for the purpose set forth.

3. In combination With an electrica-l appliance having an insulating body, a plurality of electrical contact plates secured to one face thereof in spaced relation, a plurality `of groups of junction terminals engaging said plates adapted to be connected to electrical conductors of certain polarity, certain of said junction terminals being adapted to be connected with the opposite sides of a main electrical circuit, and jumper' contacts adapted to temporarily inter-connect certain of said electrical contact plates and junction terminals, as and for the purpose set forth.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

HARRY I. SCHARR. 

